Smalahove

Smalahove (Norwegian Cured Sheep's Head)

A traditional Western Norwegian dish of a whole cured sheep's head, boiled until tender and served with potatoes, mashed swede and butter. The head is usually bought already singed, salted and smoked from a butcher or specialist supplier.

Prep

30 min

Cook

240 min

Total

270 min

Serves

4

Difficulty

Hard

Recipe ingredients

• •1 whole sheep's head, singed, salted and smoked, from a butcher; ask for it split in half lengthwise
• •1500 g (3 lb 5 oz) potatoes, floury variety, peeled and halved
• •800 g (1 lb 12 oz) swede (rutabaga), peeled and cut into 3 cm chunks
• •60 g (2 oz) butter, for the mash
• •2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• •1 tsp allspice, whole berries, optional
• •1 tbsp caraway seeds, optional, for serving
• •1 l (1¾ pints) water, for boiling

Steps

1. 1 Soak the sheep's head in cold water for 2–3 hours (or overnight in the fridge) to draw out excess salt. Change the water once.
2. 2 Place the head in a large stockpot, cover with cold water by 5 cm, and bring slowly to a bare simmer over medium heat. Skim off any scum that rises.
3. 3 Add the allspice and half the black pepper. Cover and simmer very gently for 3–3½ hours, topping up with hot water so the head stays submerged. The head is done when the meat around the cheek and jaw pulls away easily from the bone and the internal temperature at the thickest part of the cheek reaches at least 75°C (167°F).
4. 4 About 40 minutes before the head is done, add the halved potatoes to the pot (or boil them separately in salted water). Cook until a knife slides through with no resistance.
5. 5 Boil the swede chunks in a separate pot of salted water for 20–25 minutes until completely tender. Drain, then mash with the butter, a pinch of salt and the remaining black pepper.
6. 6 Lift the head out carefully and drain. Serve whole on a warm platter, with the potatoes, mashed swede and a knob of butter alongside. Diners eat from the ear end downwards, using a knife and fork to lift the meat from the cheek, tongue and around the eye.